ES: Iconic Building Project: Bilbao Island Smart City District
Iberdrola & Bilbao City Council are transforming an old industrial area into a net zero emissions smart city testing ground for renewable energy solutions
In the heart of Bilbao, Spain, an ambitious urban regeneration project is taking shape. Zorrotzaurre, a 2.5km artificial peninsula created in the 1950s and 60s, is being transformed from a post-industrial wasteland into a cutting-edge smart city district.
Smart cities to boost India’s employment opportunities, says WTCA VP
Unlike the IT services sector, which requires highly educated individuals, electronic manufacturing has the potential to address unemployment more effectively
Smart cities will boost India’s employment opportunities, said Scott Wang, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Vice President, Asia Pacific. According to Wang, India needs to place greater emphasis on electronic manufacturing to boost India’s employability.
AE: Dubai RTA's Digital Revolution: Major Leap Towards Smart City Future
In 2023, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a 16.8% rise in digital revenues to AED3.705 billion. Key advancements include upgraded smart apps, AI-powered services, and the launch of 63 new services. The authority's initiatives are aligning with Dubai's vision for a seamless, tech-driven society.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has reported substantial growth in its digital transformation efforts in 2023, with digital revenues surging by 16.8% to reach AED3.705 billion. The overall digital transactions recorded reached 821 million, showing a slight 1% uptick, while smart app transactions saw a 29% increase.
IN: Integrating nature within cities
The success of Nagar Vans will depend on active collaboration of forest department, municipal bodies, NGOs, corporate houses and citizens
‘Nagar Van’ or Urban Forest, represents the integration of nature within cities, a concept that has historical significance across the globe. In ancient India, the Vedas revered forests (Vanas) as sacred spaces — known as devrais— central to both spiritual and physical well-being. Tapovanas and Mahavanas, often situated near human settlements, were celebrated for their biodiversity and believed to bring peace, health, and prosperity.
TT: Arima’s first step toward becoming a smart city
Connected Arima, a project to transform the borough of Arima using technology into the country’s first smart city is an eminently good idea.
It’s a sensible approach to creating a locally relevant smart city. Pick one location with a mix of local features and challenges, deploy technology to meet citizen needs and learn from the experience before moving on to other city centres.